- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) No updates on if there is any interest in UFAs Ray Whitney and Tim Thomas.
There is no way the Wild could move Niklas Backstrom unless they take a bad contract in return.Custance thinks that the Blackhawks will move Nick Leddy.
Custance thinks it would make sense for the Penguins to move one of their defensive prospects for a forward prospect, though you don’t see many of those types of deals.
Thinking that Ryan Johansen – Blue Jackets deal will likely get for two-years at between $3.5 and $4 million per season.
Though the Islanders could make a play at one of the defensemen that are on the trade market, it may make sense for them to see what they have in some of their young guys, then look to make a trade closer to the trade deadline.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: (mailbag) If the Sharks are in the playoff hunt, don’t look for them to trade a top pick or prospect for a rental player. They would look for a deal that would help them in the long-run and not just the short term. Kurz doesn’t seen the Sharks make any moves to start the year as they want to see what they have in some of their young players. Tomas Hertl said his knee is 100 percent.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Joey Hishon and Dennis Everberg may be the leading candidates for the final forward spot. Maxim Noreau, Duncan Siemens and Ryan Wilson seem to be battling for the final defenseman spot.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: With Jordan Staal out, Elias Lindholm will likely move from wing to center. Victor Rask could start the season with the Hurricanes. Other centers with the Canes include Riley Nash, Jay McClement and Brad Malone.